Letisha is a 14-year-old girl from Malawi. Her mother runs a small-scale business selling popcorn and roasted groundnuts in town. Her father is a carpenter who does some piecework. Thirteen years ago, Letisha had a swelling on the back of her thigh. The mass continued to grow and started to cause discomfort, affecting her ability to perform daily tasks and causing her to miss school. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Letisha traveled to our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center, to receive treatment. On September 9th, surgeons will remove the mass. Now, Letisha needs help to raise $429 to fund this procedure. Letisha's mother hopes the surgery will help her daughter get better and go back to school. "We are looking forward to getting support for my daughter that would enable her to concentrate at school; the support will also help me to put more effort into my business than spending cash on hospital visits and medications instead of using cash for upkeep," she added.

Kuch is a 65-year-old dishwasher from Phnom Penh. He is married and has one daughter. His wife is also a dishwasher, and his daughter is a garment worker. At home, Kuch likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Five years ago, Kuch developed a pterygium in his right eye, causing him itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Pterygiums are non-cancerous growths of the conjunctiva, a mucous layer that lubricates the eye. The growths occur when the conjunctiva is exposed to excessive sun damage, wind, or dust, and the cells grow abnormally over the pupil. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, working, and going anywhere outside. Kuch traveled to our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, to seek treatment. On June 9th, surgeons will remove the abnormal conjunctiva from the cornea surface and replace it with a conjunctival graft to prevent recurrence. The total cost of his procedure is $298. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care for two days. Kuch said, "I hope after surgery my eye will not be irritated and I can feel better so I can go back to work well."

77-year old Karwemera is a married man and the father of 13 children, living in Uganda. Most of his children have families of their own and are small-scale farmers, while his youngest three daughters are still in school. To earn a living, Karwemera and his wife rely on a small banana and coffee plantation to sustain their family. Despite his advanced age, Karwemera remains hardworking and strong, cultivating the land with his own hands to ensure his family’s survival. For three years, Karwemera has lived with a left inguinal hernia, a condition in which abdominal contents push through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall into the groin. He initially noticed a swelling that appeared intermittently on the left side of his inguinal region. At first, he hoped it would resolve on its own, since it wasn't very painful. Over time, however, the pain became severe, and he found himself unable to walk, squat, bend, or carry heavy objects. Eventually, the condition prevented him from cultivating his land, which deeply worried him, as he is the sole provider for his family. Karwemera first visited a nearby health center, where he was given painkillers and advised to consult a surgeon. On December 31st, he presented to our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Nyakibale Hospital, where he was examined and referred for an ultrasound scan. Upon getting the hernia diagnosis, he was advised to undergo surgical repair for full recovery, failure to which it could lead to serious complications, including hernia strangulation, which could be life-threatening. Fortunately, on January 6th, Karwemera will undergo hernia repair surgery at our medical partner's care center, Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $230 to fund Karwemera's surgery. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently. Karwemera says, “I kindly appeal for your aid because I am really sure that given your support, I will be operated on, and will surely get well, so that I can continue farming in good health to sustain my family.”

Vang is a 71-year-old widow from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She has two sons, three daughters, and ten grandchildren. She lives alone in a small apartment near her oldest daughter who is a sugar cane seller. For many years, Vang sold fruit at the local market but had to stop due to poor vision. Now she enjoys taking care of her grandchildren. At home, she likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio. Several years ago, Vang developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision and difficulty seeing in bright or low light. She is unable to navigate steps in traditional Khmer houses and feels she has lost much of her independence. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, including colors and faces, and is worried about falling when walking, so is not able to go places on her own. Vang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, and sought treatment. On February 4th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Vang's family can contribute $50 but needs help to raise $203 more to fund this procedure. Now, she needs help to fund this $253 procedure. Vang said: "I hope after surgery my eye can see better easily go out and recognize and I can walk outside, take care of my grandchildren and myself."

Ruth is a 57-year-old small-scale farmer and mother to six children. She and her husband farm together. Part of the produce is for home consumption and the balance is often sold off to generate an income for the family. She likes singing in church and cooking her favorite meal, matooke a dish made from bananas, is her favorite hobby. For three years, Ruth has been experiencing lower abdominal pain. She has been in and out of hospitals and clinics for treatment but has had improvement. She finally saw a specialist at our medical partner's care center, Karloi Lwanga Hospital, where she was diagnosed with degenerative uterine myoma. She needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $219 to fund Ruth's surgery. On December 23rd, she will undergo gynecological surgery which will help her resume her daily activities free of pain. Ruth says, “I have tried out everything, but nothing has ever worked, am getting worried for my life and this is worsening daily. Doctors say surgery is the only option for me to have a full recovery yet with my income, I am unable to raise the money needed, I kindly appeal for your support.”

Von is a retired farmer and loving grandfather. He and his wife have four sons, three daughters, and 24 grandchildren. They live in Kandal province with their youngest daughter, who sells fruit at the local market. Their children support their living, as they can no longer work in the fields. Von used to grow rice and vegetables to sell, but now stays home with his wife, or visits the local temple to listen to the monks pray. About a year ago, Von developed a cataract in his left eye, causing him blurred vision, tearing, and itchiness. It is harder for him to recognize his family member's faces, and he is afraid to cross the road because of his poor vision. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, so it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. When Von learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled to the capital city hoping for treatment. On August 6th, doctors will perform small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Von and his family are able to contribute $100 towards the cost of his treatment and need help raising $153 more to fund the procedure. Von says: "After my recovery, I hope my vision will improve so I can feel safe walking in the village."

Sophorn is a 23-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She lives with her older sister and parents in Kampong Cham Province. She and her parents work as rice farmers, while her older sister stays at home due to chronic illness. Sophorn and her family also grow vegetables behind their house to sell at the local market for extra income. About seven years ago, Sophorn began to notice a foul odor in her right nostril and discovered a bony mass at the front of her nasal floor. The mass is solid and immobile, and there is infected tissue surrounding it. She has been experiencing recurrent headaches, as well as a loss of her sense of smell and taste. Sophorn traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On August 15th, surgeons at Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. Sophorn is able to contribute $100 towards the cost of her treatment and needs help raising $173 more to fund the procedure. Sophorn says, "I look forward to having the mass removed so I can finally live without the constant worry."

Yin is a 65-year-old retired grandmother from Thailand. She lives with her husband, son, sister-in-law and granddaughter. She enjoys reading the Bible and visiting church during her free time. In February 2024, Yin noticed a small lump on the right side of her neck. She tried to treat it with traditional medicine, but the lump grew larger., Yin began to experience troubling symptoms, including pain in her neck, arm, and back, along with discomfort from the mass. She was diagnosed with goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the gland located in front of your neck and produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for functions such as metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions. Yin needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Yin receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on August 10th at Mae Sot General Hospital. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. This procedure will cost $1,500, and she and her family need help raising money. Yin said, “I was worried about receiving surgery, but if I do not receive this treatment, I also worry that it will become cancer in the future. Now I am so happy to receive treatment for free, and I would like to say thank you to BCMF and Watsi. I want to be healthy because I am old, and I don’t want to cause any problems or add more work for my family.”

Phikhirona is a shy 8-year-old student in grade one. Her family consists of her father, formerly employed near Children's Surgical Centre crafting prosthetic limbs, and her two elder sisters. One, aged 13, is currently in grade 5, while the other, aged 11, is navigating grade 4. Unfortunately, her mother succumbed to breast cancer several years ago, so her older sisters watch after her. In her first year of attending school, she has interest in Khmer subjects. Back at home, her cooking skills are being developed by her older sisters, who are teaching her how to prepare her favorite dish - fried pork with vegetables. Phikhirona was born with polydactyly of both hands and feet. This means that she has an extra digit on the side of both hands and polysyndactyly of her feet. On each foot, she has an extra toe that is connected, via fusing or webbing, to an adjacent toe. She faces difficulty wearing conventional shoes due to the presence of extra toes and fingers, and unfortunately, she endures teasing from other children as a result. Fortunately, on January 29th, surgeons will perform a polydactyly repair procedure to remove the extra digits of her hands. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $299 to fund this procedure. After surgery, she will feel more comfortable about her appearance, and she won't be ashamed of how her feet look. Her father shared: "I hope that the surgery will not cause any infection and the extra fingers will not grow back."

Dong is a 13-year-old student from Cambodia. He lives with his parents and younger sister in Phnom Penh. Dong's father works in information technology and his mother takes care of the household. Dong is in 8th grade and enjoys math. At home, he likes to read and do his homework. He would like to work in information technology when he is older, just like his father. Dong has been experiencing a persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing, forcing him to miss school often. He has trouble breathing and eating. Dong was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids. If not treated, his symptoms will persist and possibly intensify over time. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Dong, scheduled for March 5th. The surgery will relieve Dong of his symptoms and help him live much more comfortably. Dong's mother shared: "I am worried my son feels terrible and cannot eat. I hope he can swallow food with no more pain in his throat, sleep better at night, and gain weight."

Jayson, who is four years old, lives with his mother and two year old brother in Gachie, Kiambu County. The family of Jayson's father rejected Jayson's mother, so while Jayson's father looks for work in Canada, the rest of the family lives with Jayson's maternal grandparents. Jayson's mother isn't employed, and the family subsists on commissions they earn from a motorbike that they have leased to someone to use as a taxi. From the time that Jayson was about a year old, his father noticed his medical condition. Since then, their family has visited different facilities, and three ultrasound scans have been performed, all of which show that Jayson has cryptorchidism - or an undescended testis. A surgeon advised Jayson's mother that he needs to undergo an orchidopexy, to correct Jayson's problem. Without the surgery, Jayson is at risk for developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility issues as he grows. Jayson will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. He is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 19th at Nazareth Hospital, and African Mission Healthcare is requesting $483 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. “I would be very grateful if our son is assisted and treated. We love him and would wish to see him grow like other boys. I kindly seek for his sponsorship,” said Jayson’s mother.

Chib is a 46-year-old monk who lives on the grounds of a pagoda in Kampot, Cambodia. In addition to teaching novice monks, he performs ceremonies during births, deaths, and weddings. Monks in Cambodia also play a role in ministering to the people's social and emotional needs. He is unmarried and has a sister and parents who live nearby. They are farmers who grow rice and beans. In 2020, Chib lost the lower half of his right leg due to an untreated infection. He was eventually fitted with a prosthesis, but he developed a knee flexion contracture, meaning he can no longer fully straighten or extend the knee. He is in pain and cannot wear his prosthesis. A relative suggested he visit our medical partner Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) for an investigation of options and treatment. On June 20th, surgeons at CSC will perform a surgery to improve the mobility and function in his leg. He is able to contribute $100 to the surgery and she needs only $487 to fully fund the procedure. Chib said, "After surgery, I hope that my knee will be straight, I can wear the prosthesis, and walk easily again."